Much more than just a walk in rural Glangevlin

Ryan Sheridan

“It doesn’t have a specific meaning. It’s not religious per se. It’s more of a spiritual journey, much like the Caminos in Spain and mainland Europe.”

Those were the words of Eamonn Fitzsimmons from Glangevlin speaking about a new West Cavan Camino route.

Set up by Glangevlin Community Development, the 32.3km trail is going to be permanently signposted for visitors and tourists.

“It’s going to be permanently waymarked all the time, for people to come any day, and do it under their own steam,” encouraged Eamonn.

A special launch event has been organised for this weekend. It will take place in Glangevlin on Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8. It will start on Saturday morning with an underage GAA blitz from 10am to 12 noon in the Shannon Gaels grounds and a craft fair afterwards in the adjoining St Patrick’s Hall.

The official launch of the Camino itself is scheduled for 1pm on Sunday at the hall, however people can begin walking the Camino from around half past 10.

Eamonn explained that the idea behind the walk is to give those participating a spiritual experience. The walk is more of a journey - it’s not about its beginning, middle or end. The community of Glangelvin, he said, gain a great sense of pride from being able to organise and host this event for people while doing their part to help out with the environment.

Collecting a passport before you set out on the Camino means that stamps can be collected at different checkpoints to show your progress. “When you get all the stamps and you complete it, you can apply for your certificate of completion through the Glangevlin Development Association,” said Eamonn.

This is a green sustainable tourism initiative that’s free for all to partake in.

In addition to attracting tourists and visitors and showcasing the beauty of the area, the community also wanted to ensure the area would remain tidy afterwards.

“It’s about managing people coming into the area in regards of sustainability and leaving no trace, so people will come back again, spend a little bit of time in the area and appreciate the area for what it actually is,” explained Eamonn.

When asked about the meaning of the Camino, Eamonn once again referenced the spiritual element of the journey and also the community’s pride in their homeplace.

“What does it mean to Glangelvin? It means a sense of ownership. They’ve come up with the idea, they’ve developed the idea and they’ve executed the idea,” he said.

Eamonn’s encouraging people tom come along to the launch weekend or simply enjoy the route.

Further information is available by email from westcavancamino@gmail.com or on their Facebook page.